‘AFSPA will be revoked in J&K when situation is conducive’

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is hopeful that improvement in <g data-gr-id="31">overall</g> security situation in Jammu and Kashmir will lead to a point where there will be no requirement of AFSPA.

Speaking to the media persons, after paying obeisance at the Amarnath cave shrine, on Thursday, he said, “AFSPA will be revoked in Jammu and Kashmir when the situation is conducive. I want to say that the situation should be such, and I pray to Almighty, that AFSPA should not be needed anywhere in the country. We will need <g data-gr-id="36">cooperation</g> of one and all to achieve this goal.”

Singh’s remarks on AFSPA came a day after PDP slammed union minister Jitendra Singh for speaking in favour of AFSPA. PDP termed his statement as “obnoxious and having unacceptable and unpardonable undertones”.

On the context of separatists and Pakistan, he said, “India is committed to <g data-gr-id="35">maintain</g> cordial and friendly relations with Pakistan and other neighbouring countries. We expect that Pakistan will also respond positively. As of now there is no proposal of any talks with the separatist Hurriyat Conference in Kashmir.”

“Islamabad will have to change its approach. It is our policy to have cordial relations with all our neighbouring countries, including Pakistan. We made our intentions clear on the day of the oath-taking ceremony of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If it was not our intention to improve relations with Pakistan, perhaps our prime minister would not have invited Nawaz Sharif,” he said.

When asked about the differences between PDP-BJP in running the government, he said, “It will last its full term. There are differences and no reason to believe that this government will not last its full term.”

Singh expressed his satisfaction over the security and other arrangements put in place by the state government and Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) for the smooth and peaceful conduct of annual Amarnath Yatra which began on Thursday.

“I am satisfied with the feedback from the pilgrim on-the-spot who expressed happiness over befitting arrangements and facilitation mechanism for them,” he said while reiterating his commitment to extend all support, assistance and encouragement to the Jammu & Kashmir Government to make the Amarnath Yatra safer, secure and eco-friendly.

Later, he also met Governor N.N. Vohra at the Raj Bhavan in Srinagar and had extensive discussions about issues relating to external and internal security management. They also discussed matters relating to relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims.